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Treasures & Trash Closing its Doors

"My purpose was to find loving homes for things that people didn't want anymore," said owner Cynthia Chicca.

 

After 16 years of selling antiques and collectibles—and being the go-to place for Halloween decorations—Treasures & Trash in downtown Libertyville is closing its doors.

Owner Cynthia Chicca of Mettawa is retiring to Texas.

"It's been a lot of fun," said Chicca.

She opened the shop 20 years ago in Deerfield. Treasures & Trash was located there for four years before redevelopment at the site resulted in Chicca needing to move her store.

Chicca said the Libertyville store was always jam-packed with a variety of items.

"My purpose was to find loving homes for things that people didn't want anymore," she said.

The store's Halloween decor, Chicca said, has always been particularly popular.

"That's what kept the doors open," she said."Nobody did Halloween like I did."

The most unique items in her shop have been the Claudio Jimenez "Day of the Dead" retablos, which are diorama-type decorations adorned with lots of skeletons.

And, of course, there's the large skeleton that can be seen crawling on the building's Milwaukee Avenue-facing facade. Chicca said customers have inquired about purchasing the skeleton, and she plans to oblige.

Chicca hopes to close the store by June 1. She also needs to sell the building. Most of the store's inventory, save for some consignment items, is 50 percent off.

She said she'll miss the business.

"People for the last 16 years have been faithful," said Chicca. "Those are the people I'm going to miss."

She'll especially miss the children who stopped by the store to check out the Halloween decorations.

"They'd see me (on the street) and say, there goes the Halloween lady," said Chicca.

What was the most interesting thing you found at Treasures & Trash? Tell us in the comment section.

Related Topics: Downtown Libertyville and Treasures & Trash

Vicki Tucker

10:23 am on Monday, March 18, 2013

I love her store! It is like a diamond in the rough. You never know what you might find! I have gotten beautiful Christmas Ornaments, an awesome antique lamp and gorgeous Italian Tile and dishes! She has quality stuff. Plan to spend time when you visit this place, there is plenty to look at! I am going back this week to purchase my chairs that I have been eyeing! I am going to miss this place! Nothing like it!

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Carl Hess

11:31 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Obviously, Mr. Jones only shops hardware stores or wishes to buy quality at garage-sale prices. Treasures & Trash is the most reasonably priced store in a wide area. I have purchased an antique Springfield rifle from the 1800s for far less than ones available at auction. There are also a wide variety of vintage toys which I have purchased. I will miss Treasures & Trash and the spunky owner.

Carl Hess

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